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NUMZAAN SAFARIS WILD WILDEBEEST LODGE, MIKE WATRIDGE (PH)
To all:
Below is a recount of our experience with Numzaan Safaris staying at the Wild Wildebeest Lodge, and Mike Watridge as a PH--- This could be long, so if you're looking for a quick review:
--- Wonderful outfitter, great accommodations, and an excellent PH- Top Marks all the way around
I had actually bought a hunt that was donated to our local (Midland, TX) CCA fundraiser. My plan was to have one of my hunting buddies accompany on this trip. Unfortunately for them, they were too scared to make the trip across the "pond" and my wife volunteered to tag along. She did not grow up in a hunting family, and I had only introduced her to the prospect of hunting 2 years ago, just before we were married. Originally, she wanted to harvest a few animals (springbok slam), and then turn the other animals over to me. Oh how that changed.
We were able to coordinate with Numzaan's business office flawlessly. We arrived in Jo-Berg late in the evening, and were picked up by the owners of Afton House where we stayed the first night. Mike (PH) arrived early the next morning, and we were off to the Free State for our first phase of the Safari. We were able to harvest all four phases of the springbok, and a really nice black wildebeest in the first two days.
Upon completion of the Free State Phase, we were whisked to the Limpopo Province, where we arrived at the Wild Wildebeest Lodge. As far as hunting lodges go, this one was way up there as far as accommodations. The food was spectacular, the wine was awesome, and the individual rooms and beds were comfortable to say the least.
We spent the next 9 days hunting large ranches (32,000-14,000 acres) and harvesting bushbuck, 2 zebras, 3 warthogs, blue wildebeest, kudu, gemsbok, blesbok, red hartebeest, waterbuck, and impala (18 animals total). Remember when I said my wife wanted to kill a few small animals and turn it over to me? Final total was Wife 11 animals (3 warthogs, impala, gemsbok, zebra, 3 springbok, waterbuck, and a bushbuck). I was left with the rest (which between us, was the way I wanted it). My wife is officially hooked.
I could not have asked for a better experience. These guys possess the ability to cater to whatever their clients may require. Absolutely perfect for wives, families, or buddies with whom you've hunted for years.
I have to give a special thanks to Mike, our PH. Mike always had a cunning plan, and typically it worked. He was the perfect combination of hunting skills, intensity, and service. One could really tell he's been doing this for 19 years. He even went so far as to take me and my wife on a Cape Buffalo search which gave us 3 encounters at <50 yards. We were scouting for a older gentleman in camp who could not travel well, and we were out in front looking for them. It was the most exhilarating time of my hunting career. His dog Milo is awesome as well On my next trips to Africa, I want Mike involved in the hunting.
I will happily recommend this company to everyone.
Thanks again to Numzaan
Our PH - Mike
Camp MGR- Tonie
Camp MGR- Jorika (Tonie's wife and awesome cook)
Office -Stef (Owner) and Lennete
Other PH's in camp
Johann
Konnis
Jean Louis
Aldo
Jean
Sean
Dogs In Camp
Milo, Mauser, Hunter, Swapo, Ruby, Anna Bella, Raja, Ruger,
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